An abrasive wheel is widely used in grinding machines made with an abrasive compound usually. The wheels are generally made from a composite material consisting of coarse particle aggregate pressed and bonded together by a cementing matrix. Based on the usage of wheels the profiles and cross-sections could be different.
The cutting is usually performed in two ways; single point cutting tool and multi-point cutting tool. Abrasive wheels are normally used in grinders, disc cutters and saws. Aluminium discs and solid steel are normally used in cutting wheels. Nowadays mostly artificial compounds with artificial aggregates as grinding wheels instead of natural composite stone used a few decades back.
According to the HSE, almost half of all accidents with abrasive wheels are due to human error, which shows the importance of training on abrasive wheels for all employees. Let’s analyse the safety steps we should follow while using abrasive wheels.
- Wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
In some warehouses, it’s seen that workers don’t wear PPE while working with abrasive wheels. PPE should be used compulsorily as it acts as a safety cover for the workers. Equipment like Goggles, masks, ear protectors, safety gloves and leather apron should be used mandatorily by the worker when he is operating the wheel.
- Check the speed of the machine
Each grinder comes with a standard speed rating as per the authorities with a specific RPM. We should make sure that the speed should not exceed the limits as it may cause damage to the equipment and the worker.
III. Provide training for the employees
Proper safety training should be provided to all the employees who are working on abrasive wheels. This training will provide the employees with all the safety techniques and procedures he has to observe while working. Once the worker has knowledge he could make sure the working is smooth by avoiding the unnecessary accidents.
- Check grinding wheel and grinding guard
Before starting the work you should make sure that the grinding wheel is working properly and the grinding guard is intact. The guards may be capable of collecting the broken parts on the wheel while working which itself is a safety. The worker should check that the rotation of the wheel is proper or it may be stuck during the work causing additional problems.
- Ensure that the assembling of flanges is proper
Several small parts are inside the grinder and each of these has specific uses. These parts should be considered important and should be assembled or tightened together. Always make sure that the placement of the flanges is appropriate for making the movement smooth. Improper flanging causes additional stresses to the abrasive wheel and is a common cause of wheel breakage.
- Ensure safe transport and storage measures
While transporting abrasive wheels we should be more careful as any negligence could cause damage to the equipment. Since the discs are sharp it should be stored properly after working as it could cause injuries. Normally the abrasive wheels won’t last more due to the faults in transporting and storage.
VII. Carry out the maintenance in the exact time
The manufacturer may have insisted on the time intervals in which the maintenance of the machine should be done. If regular maintenance is not done it could affect the normal working of the machine and may lead to mishappenings. It is not advisable to work on a machine that has not done regular maintenance even if it’s an urgent one.
VIII. Conduct test runs frequently
Conducting a test run is normally a boon to workers. The test run helps in analysing that the machine is working perfectly without any flaws. This could also be a saviour as you needn’t have to work with a faulty machine in spite of the fear of being injured. Test run in the safe area could help you to detect the damage or fault of the machine if any.
- Should be conscious about dust & gas inhalation
The grinding would be done in different places under different conditions. There may be chances of inhalation of dust and gas during these times causing problems to your respiratory system. The employees should be wearing protective equipment like a mask to filter out contaminated airborne substances.
- Always use wheels of the right dimension
In order to achieve higher efficiency and to establish safety the wheels of the right dimension should be used. When the wheels are of the right dimension it makes the rotation proper and thereby adjusts the speed as exactly desired which finally results in an increase in efficiency.
Olive Safety gives priority to safety and so they are providing a full-fledged Abrasive wheels course to help in fully preparing you with the knowledge and expertise you need to safely operate abrasive wheels.
